Short Film Festival, Downtown Tales Tour, Contests & Crowning Part Of Alt-Holiday 2- Day Event

St. Nick’s counterpart from German and Austrian 15th century folklore, the horned figure who punishes misbehaved children has his own day of recognition – Krampusnacht, celebrated on Dec 5.

Locally, the Naughty List is being compiled in time for this weekend’s pre celebration hosted by Paranormal Books and Curiosities.

Kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Krampus Asbury Park is a two-day annual event that transform the downtown into an Alpine Village.

“Believe it or not, there are Christmas monsters in folklore all over the world,” event organizer Kathy Kelly, owner of Paranormal Books & Curiosities said in a written statement. “While these festivities go on all over Europe very few cities in America are strange enough to welcome Krampus to their streets [but] we know Asbury is.”

Last year the inaugural event attracted over 200 people, many donning their rendition of the mythical figure. This year, particular focus is being paid to the creative and underground vibe of the Krampus folklore, Kelly said.

Krampus Asbury Park includes a full lineup of storytelling, a filmmaking, photo opps, and “just plain getting chased by a monster,” Kelly said.

Highlights include the Unleashing and the Tales of Krampus guided downtown tour in search of old and new Krampus sightings.

Krampus is expanding to include a poster, tattoo and mask making contests as well as the return of the locally made Krampus short films, being unveiled at The ShowRoom.